Heat stress in the Caribbean: Climatology, drivers, and trends of human biometeorology indices.

Forty years (1980-2019) of reanalysis data were used to investigate climatology and trends of heat stress in the Caribbean region. Represented via the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), a multivariate thermophysiological-relevant parameter, the highest heat stress is found to be most frequent and geographically widespread during the rainy season (August, September, and October). UTCI trends indicate an increase of more than 0.2°C·decade-1, with southern Florida and the Lesser Antilles witnessing the greatest upward rates (0.45°C·decade-1). Correlations with climate variables known to induce heat stress reveal that the increase in heat stress is driven by increases in air temperature and radiation, and decreases in wind speed. Conditions of heat danger, as depicted by the heat index (HI), have intensified since 1980 (+1.2°C) and are found to occur simultaneously to conditions of heat stress suggesting a synergy between heat illnesses and physiological responses to heat. This work also includes the analysis of the record-breaking 2020 heat season during which the UTCI and HI achieved above average values, indicating that local populations most likely experienced heat stress and danger higher than the ones they are used to. These findings confirm the gradual intensification of heat stress in the Caribbean and aim to provide a guidance for heat-related policies in the region.

Perceptions of preparedness, timing of cancer diagnosis, and objective emergency preparedness among gynecological cancer patients in Puerto Rico before and after Hurricane Maria.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the impact of cancer diagnosis status, individual feelings of preparedness, and other covariates on objective emergency preparedness among women diagnosed with gynecological cancers before or after the 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico. METHODS: This study included 240 women who were interviewed by telephone from 9/2019-11/2020. Objective emergency preparedness was assessed using a list of six items. Subjective emergency preparedness was assessed by asking the women how prepared they felt (well, somewhat, or not at all) to face an emergency. Crude and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations (odds ratios [ORs] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) between variables of interest and objective preparedness. RESULTS: Before and after the hurricanes, 60% and 66% of women, respectively, were objectively prepared. Before the hurricanes, women reporting feeling well-prepared (vs. not prepared) (OR=9.31, 95%CI:3.96-21.91) and those who were diagnosed before (vs. after) the hurricanes (OR=1.71, 95%CI:0.95-3.09) were more likely to be objectively prepared. After the hurricanes, self-perceived well-preparedness (OR=2.46, 95% CI: 1.10-5.51) was positively associated with emergency preparedness when compared to feeling unprepared. CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions of emergency preparedness and having a cancer diagnosis increased the likelihood of being objectively prepared for an emergency. POLICY SUMMARY: This study demonstrates the need for state, territorial, and federal governments to include emergency preparedness plans for cancer patients in the Comprehensive Cancer Control plans. The study also indicates a need for cancer specific emergency preparedness information to be readily available for patients.

Priorities for Bolstering Public Health Resilience in the Context of Climate Change in Dominica and Puerto Rico.

Caribbean small island developing states are highly exposed to climate change impacts. Incorporating weather and climate information into public health decisions can promote resilience to climate change's adverse health effects, but regionally it is not common practice. We implemented a project to enhance dialogue between climate and public health specialists in Puerto Rico and Dominica. First, we conducted environmental scans of public health vulnerability in the context of weather and climate for both islands. Then, we convened stakeholders to discuss the scan results and identify priorities for climate and health. A shared priority was increasing climate and health knowledge; thus, we developed several educational initiatives. In this viewpoint, we discuss our process for conducting environmental scans, building capacity and partnerships, and translating knowledge-to-action around climate and health.

Challenge, fear and pride: nursing students working as nurses in COVID-19 care units.

CONTEXT AND PURPOSE: During the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, students in the year of undergraduate degree were hired to provide care assistance support in hospitals. The purpose of the study is to explore their experiences of their premature professional incorporation into patient care in a pandemic situation. METHODS: A descriptive phenomenology research study was conducted. Data were collected in two phases: 1) Two focus groups and 2) Ten in-depth individual semi-structured interviews between July and August 2021. RESULTS: Twenty-two Nursing students from a Madrid University School of Nursing participated. All worked in COVID hospitalization units, 6 in intensive care units. Four main categories were identified. Student-professional nurse transition, Learning, Hospital integration and Emotions. CONCLUSION: Despite all the fears and negative emotions, the nursing students do not regret the decision to accept a contract to work as a healthcare professional in the COVID-19 pandemic. They feel that the pandemic has allowed them to see life from another perspective and with other priorities, strengthening their vocation to nursing.

Disruptions in Oncology Care Confronted by Patients with Gynecologic Cancer Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico.

BACKGROUND: In September 2017, hurricanes Irma and Maria affected Puerto Rico (PR) and the US Virgin Islands (USVI), causing major disruptions in basic services and health care. This study documented the stressors and experiences of patients with gynecologic cancer receiving oncology care in PR following these hurricanes. METHODS: We conducted 4 focus groups (December 2018-April 2019) among women aged ≥21 years from PR who were diagnosed with gynecological cancer between September 2016 and September 2018 (n = 24). Using the same eligibility criteria, we also interviewed patients from the USVI (n = 2) who were treated in PR. We also conducted key-informant interviews with oncology care providers and administrators (n = 23) serving gynecologic cancer patients in PR. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded to identify emergent themes using a constant comparison method. RESULTS: Analyses of focus group discussions and interviews allowed us to identify the following emergent themes: 1) disruptions in oncology care were common; 2) communication between oncology providers and patients was challenging before and after the hurricanes hit; 3) patient resilience was key to resume care; and 4) local communities provided much-needed social support and resources. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides firsthand information about the disruptions in oncology care experienced by and the resiliency of women with gynecologic cancer following hurricanes Irma and Maria. Our findings underscore the need to incorporate oncology care in the preparedness and response plans of communities, health systems, and government agencies to maintain adequate care for cancer patients during and after disasters such as hurricanes.

Calidad de vida en cuidadores familiares de adultos mayores frágiles

Objetivo: Determinar el comportamiento de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de los cuidadores primarios de adultos mayores frágiles. Métodos: Estudio transversal correlacional desarrollado en el Hospital Clínico-Quirúrgico-Docente "Dr. León Cuervo Rubio", de Pinar del Río, entre 2018 y 2019. Fueron reclutados 276 cuidadores, mediante muestreo intencional, aplicándoseles varios instrumentos, para la obtención de información. Además de los métodos de estadística descriptiva, se empleó el análisis estadístico inferencial, para buscar la existencia de interacciones entre variables. Resultados: La edad del cuidador presentó una mediana de 47 años; desempeñándose el 53,6 %,más de cuatro años en labores de cuidado, dedicándole una media de 4,9 horas diarias a dicha labor, predominando los cuidadores sin adiestramiento previo (76,1 %) y con apoyo social inadecuado (57,6 %). Las dimensiones rol físico, función social, salud mental, vitalidad y rol emocional fueron las más afectadas. Las características sociodemográficas y vinculadas al cuidado mostraron asociación estadísticamente significativa (p<0,05), con la afectación a diferentes dimensiones de la encuesta SF-36, quienes fueron correlacionadas con la carga del cuidador, la antigüedad y la cantidad de horas diarias de cuidado. Conclusiones: Fue determinado el estado de la calidad de vida de los cuidadores, detallándose una mayor afectación del componente mental, que incluía las dimensiones función social, salud mental, vitalidad, rol emocional. A su vez, fueron identificadas las variables sociodemográficas asociadas a la afectación de la calidad de vida en cada una de sus dimensiones, así como se logró correlacionar la calidad de vida con variables asociadas al cuidador.

Objective: To determine the health-related quality of life behavior of primary caregivers of frail older adults. Methods: Cross-sectional correlational study developed at the "Dr. León Cuervo Rubio", from Pinar del Río, between 2018 and 2019. 276 caregivers were recruited, through intentional sampling, applying various instruments to obtain information. In addition to descriptive statistics methods, inferential statistical analysis was used to search for the existence of interactions between variables. Results: The age of the caregiver presented a median of 47 years; 53.6% performing, more than four years in care work, dedicating an average of 4.9 hours a day to this work, predominating caregivers without prior training (76.1%) and with inadequate social support (57.6 %). The physical role, social function, mental health, vitality and emotional role dimensions were the most affected. The sociodemographic and care-related characteristics showed a statistically significant association (p <0.05), with the effect on different dimensions of the SF-36 survey, which were correlated with the caregiver's burden, seniority and the number of hours per day of care. Conclusions: The state of the quality of life of the caregivers was determined, detailing a greater affectation of the mental component, which included the dimensions of social function, mental health, vitality, emotional role. In turn, the sociodemographic variables associated with the affectation of the quality of life in each of its dimensions were identified, as well as it was possible to correlate the quality of life with variables associated with the caregiver.

Environmental Stressors Suffered by Women with Gynecological Cancers in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and María in Puerto Rico.

BACKGROUND: Hurricanes are the immediate ways that people experience climate impacts in the Caribbean. These events affect socio-ecological systems and lead to major disruptions in the healthcare system, having effects on health outcomes. In September 2017, Puerto Rico (PR) and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) experienced one of the most catastrophic hurricane seasons in recent history (Hurricane Irma was a Category 5 and Hurricane María was a Category 4 when they hit PR). OBJECTIVE: This study examines environmental stressors experienced by women with gynecologic (GYN) cancers from PR and USVI who received oncologic cancer care in PR, in the aftermath of the hurricanes. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study design was used to obtain rich information for understanding the context, barriers, knowledge, perspectives, risks, vulnerabilities, and attitudes associated to these hurricanes. We performed focus groups among GYN cancer patients (n = 24) and key-informant interviews (n = 21) among health-care providers and administrators. Interviews were conducted from December 2018-April 2019. RESULTS: Environmental health stressors such as lack of water, heat and uncomfortable temperatures, air pollution (air quality), noise pollution, mosquitos, and rats ranked in the top concerns among cancer patients and key-informants. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are relevant to cancer patients, decision-makers, and health providers facing extreme events and disasters in the Caribbean. Identifying environmental secondary stressors and the most relevant cascading effects is useful for decision-makers so that they may address and mitigate the effects of hurricanes on public health and cancer care.

Resultados de un curso de investigación para estudiantes universitarios de ciencias de la salud / Results of a research course for undergraduate health science students

RESUMEN Introducción: el sistema de salud busca formar profesionales competentes acorde con las necesidades actuales en la docencia, asistencia e investigación. Objetivo: caracterizar el desarrollo e implementación de un curso de investigación en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud. Métodos: se trató de un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en estudiantes de las carreras de ciencias médicas, que desarrolló un curso de investigación para ser impartido durante nueve semanas, estructurado en tres módulos. Se aplicó durante dos ediciones (2018 y 2019), a una muestra de 17 y 23 estudiantes respectivamente. Tras su conclusión se aplicó un cuestionario para evaluarlo. Resultados: al curso se inscribieron 40 estudiantes, donde el 82,5 % cursaba la carrera de Medicina. El 27,5 % desarrollaba su ayudantía o se encontraba orientado a la especialidad de Cirugía General, seguido de los interesados en Cuidados Intensivos (17,5 %)). Del curso emanaron 45 investigaciones, todas se presentaron en jornadas científicas y el 13,3 % fueron publicadas en revistas científicas indizadas. Fue valorado de manera general como "muy adecuado" (95 %) en la mayoría de los indicadores, y recibió una calificación global de "excelente" por el 92,5 % de los estudiantes. Conclusiones: el curso propició el desarrollo de habilidades investigativas, al mismo tiempo que aumentó la producción científica, donde el tutor juegó un rol indispensable, siendo motor y guía del estudiante, y al mismo tiempo, convirtiendo al estudiante en su reflejo.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the healthcare system seeks to train competent professionals according to the current needs in teaching, assistance and research. Objective: to characterize the development and implementation of a research course for health science students. Methods: it was an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study in undergraduate health science students, who took a research course to be taught for nine weeks, structured in three modules. It was taught during two editions (2018 and 2019), to a sample of 17 and 23 students respectively. After its conclusion, a questionnaire was applied to evaluate it. Results: forty students were enrolled in the course, 82.5% studied medicine. A total of 27.5 % of them were working as assistants or were oriented to the specialty of General Surgery, followed by those interested in Intensive Care (17.5 %). The course resulted in 45 research studies, all of which were presented at scientific conferences and 13.3 % were published in indexed scientific journals. The course was generally rated as "very adequate" (95%) in most indicators, and received an overall rating of "excellent" by 92.5% of the students. Conclusions: the course favored the development of research skills, and the scientific production increased, where the tutor played an indispensable role, being the driving force and guide of the student, and at the same time, turning the student into his/her reflection.

Diagnóstico en un solo paso de la hepatitis C en 2019: una realidad en España / Hepatitis C reflex testing in Spain in 2019: A story of success

Antecedentes: El diagnóstico en un solo paso (DUSP) es necesario para conseguir los objetivos de eliminación de la hepatitis C, pero en 2017 solo el 31% de los hospitales españoles hacía DUSP. Tras ese hallazgo, el DUSP fue recomendado por las sociedades científicas involucradas en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hepatitis C. Objetivos: Evaluar el grado de implementación del DUSP en 2019, y conocer la implantación de test de diagnóstico rápido y/o en gota seca (TDR y/o DBS) en los hospitales españoles. Métodos: Estudio transversal mediante encuesta realizada en octubre de 2019 dirigida a hospitales generales españoles con≥200 camas, públicos, o privados con acreditación docente. Resultados: Respondieron 129 (80%) hospitales. El DUSP lo hace el 89% de los centros vs. el 31% en 2017 (p<0,001). De 2017 a 2019 los centros que utilizan alertas para mejorar la continuidad asistencial aumentaron del 69 al 86% (p=0,002). En 2019, el 11% de los centros puede determinar anti-VHC en gota seca, el 15% viremia en gota seca, el 0,85% anti-VHC en saliva, y el 37% de anticuerpos y/o viremia con test point of care. El 43% de los hospitales disponen al menos de un método diagnóstico con TDR y/o DBS. Conclusiones: La implantación del DUSP ha aumentado significativamente, llegando al 89% de los hospitales en 2019. Las recomendaciones de las sociedades científicas podrían haber contribuido a la implantación del DUSP. Por otra parte, el acceso a los TDR y/o DBS es insuficiente y se necesitan medidas encaminadas a mejorar su implementación.(AU)

Background: Reflex testing is necessary to achieve the objectives of hepatitis C elimination. However, in 2017 only 31% of Spanish hospitals performed reflex test. As a consequence of that finding, reflex testing was recommended by scientific societies involved in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C. Objective: To evaluate the degree of implementation of reflex testing in 2019 and to know the implementation of rapid diagnostic and/or dried blood spot testing (RDT and / or DBS) in Spanish hospitals. Methods: Cross-sectional study through a survey conducted in October 2019 to Spanish general hospitals with at least 200 beds, public or private with teaching accreditation. Results: 129 (80%) hospitals responded. Reflex testing is performed by 89% of the centers vs. 31% in 2017 (P<.001). From 2017 to 2019, centers using alerts to improve continuity of care increased from 69% to 86% (P=.002). In 2019, 11% of centers can determine anti-HCV in dried spot, 15% viremia in dried spot, 0.85% anti-HCV in saliva, and 37% of antibodies and/or viremia with point of care test. 43% of hospitals have at least one diagnostic method with RDT and/or DBS. Conclusion: The implementation of reflex testing has increased significantly, reaching 89% of hospitals in 2019. The recommendations of scientific societies could have contributed to the implementation of reflex testing. On the other hand, access to RDT and/or DBS is insufficient and initiatives are needed to improve their implementation.(AU)

Beyond visual acuity: Patient-relevant assessment measures of visual function in retinal diseases.

PURPOSE: To identify patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and other clinical outcome measures (contrast sensitivity (CS), low-luminance visual acuity (LLVA) and reading acuity or reading speed (RA-RS)), relevant to patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy (DR), which would be recommended for use in clinical practice. METHODS: The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, based on the synthesis of the scientific evidence and the collective judgment of an expert panel using the two-round Delphi method, was applied. The evidence synthesis was performed by searching for articles on outcome measures for AMD and/or DR published between 2005 and 2018 in English or Spanish. The expert panel consisted of 14 Spanish ophthalmologists, who rated the recommendation degree for each outcome measure on a scale of 1 (extremely irrelevant) to 9 (maximum relevance). The recommended outcome measures were established according to the panel median score and the level of the panelists' agreement. RESULTS: Through the evidence search, 33 PRO-specific questionnaires (21 for visual function, six for AMD, three for DR, one for AMD and DR) and two treatment satisfaction questionnaires (one on AMD and one on DR) were identified. In addition, 21 methods were found for measuring CS, five for LLVA, and nine for RA-RS. According to the panel ratings, 11 of the 64 outcome measures evaluated for AMD, and seven of the 61 evaluated for DR were recommended. CONCLUSION: The AMD and DR outcome measures recommended will help ophthalmologists choose the outcome measure most appropriate for their patients. Furthermore, the use of PROs will contribute to shifting clinical practice towards patient-centered medicine.

Hepatitis C reflex testing in Spain in 2019: A story of success. / Diagnóstico en un solo paso de la hepatitis C en 2019: una realidad en España.

BACKGROUND: Reflex testing is necessary to achieve the objectives of hepatitis C elimination. However, in 2017 only 31% of Spanish hospitals performed reflex test. As a consequence of that finding, reflex testing was recommended by scientific societies involved in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the degree of implementation of reflex testing in 2019 and to know the implementation of rapid diagnostic and/or dried blood spot testing (RDT and / or DBS) in Spanish hospitals. METHODS: Cross-sectional study through a survey conducted in October 2019 to Spanish general hospitals with at least 200 beds, public or private with teaching accreditation. RESULTS: 129 (80%) hospitals responded. Reflex testing is performed by 89% of the centers vs. 31% in 2017 (P<.001). From 2017 to 2019, centers using alerts to improve continuity of care increased from 69% to 86% (P=.002). In 2019, 11% of centers can determine anti-HCV in dried spot, 15% viremia in dried spot, 0.85% anti-HCV in saliva, and 37% of antibodies and/or viremia with point of care test. 43% of hospitals have at least one diagnostic method with RDT and/or DBS. CONCLUSION: The implementation of reflex testing has increased significantly, reaching 89% of hospitals in 2019. The recommendations of scientific societies could have contributed to the implementation of reflex testing. On the other hand, access to RDT and/or DBS is insufficient and initiatives are needed to improve their implementation.

Cost-effectiveness of a Contact Intervention and a Psychotherapeutic Program for Post-discharge Suicide Prevention.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost-effectiveness of 2 strategies for post-discharge suicide prevention, an Enhanced Contact intervention based on repeated in-person and telephone contacts, and an individual 2-month long problem-solving Psychotherapy program, in comparison to facilitated access to outpatient care following a suicide attempt. METHODS: We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis based on a decision tree between January and December 2019. Comparative effectiveness estimates were obtained from an observational study conducted between 2013 and 2017 in Madrid, Spain. Electronic health care records documented resource use (including extra-hospital emergency care, mortality, inpatient admission, and disability leave). Direct cost data were derived from Madrid's official list of public health care prices. Indirect cost data were derived from Spain's National Institute of Statistics. RESULTS: Both augmentation strategies were more cost-effective than a single priority outpatient appointment considering reasonable thresholds of willingness to pay. Under the base-case scenario, Enhanced Contact and Psychotherapy incurred, respectively, €2,340 and 6,260 per averted attempt, compared to a single priority appointment. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses showed both augmentation strategies to remain cost-effective under several scenarios. Enhanced Contact was slightly cost minimizing in comparison to Psychotherapy (base-case scenario: €-196 per averted attempt). CONCLUSIONS: Two post-discharge suicide prevention strategies based on Enhanced Contact and Psychotherapy were cost-effective in comparison to a single priority appointment. Increasing contacts between suicide attempters and mental health-care providers was slightly cost minimizing compared to psychotherapy.

Telemedicine efficiently improves access to hepatitis C management to achieve HCV elimination in the penitentiary setting.

INTRODUCTION: Linkage to care for hepatitis C includes a new tool: teleconsultation. Micro-elimination in prison is a recommendation and is feasible. An economic evaluation of telemedicine for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in prisons has not yet been performed. This study aimed to provide a cost-minimization analysis comparing two strategies of HCV treatment in a prison: telemedicine clinical practice (TCP) and the usual clinical practice (UCP). METHODS: An observational cost-minimization study was carried out on a cohort of inmates who received anti-HCV treatment in El Dueso prison (May 2016-November 2017). A decision tree was constructed, incorporating different clinical profiles according to the severity of the disease, the results of diagnostic tests, and treatment outcomes as well as the costs of each profile. Satisfaction with telemedicine was evaluated through an 11-question questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Seventy-five inmates were treated and underwent TCP with a follow-up of one year. The average cost per patient with the TCP strategy was €1,172 (€1,151 direct costs). Had UCP been carried out, the cost would have been €1,687 (€1,630 direct). Telemedicine consultation practice produced savings of €516 (30.6%) per patient, with total savings of €38,677. The transfer costs from prison to hospital represented the most important saving item, accounting for 99.3% of the TCP-related savings. The questionnaire revealed high levels of satisfaction with TCP, with a median score of 5 in each question. Sustained virological response rates were 94.7% after the first treatment and 100% after retreatment of the four relapses. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine consultation practice is a more efficient strategy than UCP, mainly due to the reduction of transfer costs while preserving effectiveness and user satisfaction.

Caracterización del uso de fitofármacos en adultos mayores en la Atención Primaria de Salud / Characterization of the use of phytopharmaceuticals in older adults in Primary Health Care

Introducción: el empleo de fitofármacos cobra gran importancia en la actualidad, siendo la población de adultos mayores, una de las más beneficiadas. Objetivo: caracterizar el uso de fitofármacos en adultos mayores. Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, desarrollado en adultos mayores de los consultorios 59 y 45, de los policlínicos Luis Augusto Turcios Lima y Modesto Gómez Rubio, en Pinar del Río, en enero de 2021. Fue seleccionada una muestra de 218 pacientes quienes cumplieron los criterios de selección, empleándose la entrevista y revisión de historias clínicas para obtener la información que dio salida a las variables estudiadas, aplicándose métodos de estadística descriptiva, respetándose la ética médica. Resultados: predominaron en la muestra las feminas, el grupo etáreo 65-69 años, los adultos mayores que acuden de forma irregular a consulta, con pluripatología, precisándose polifarmacia en el 85,3 %. El 56,4 % empleaba fitofármacos, prescritos el 72,4 % de las ocasiones por personal médico, siendo los jarabes y lociones los más utilizados. Los trastornos nerviosos, procesos respiratorios e hipertensión arterial fueron las principales afecciones tributarias, precisándose un adecuado nivel de conocimientos en el 63,8 % de la muestra, identificándose una asociación (p<0,05) con la edad, estado funcional, estado civil, nivel escolar y procedencia. Conclusiones: fueron identificadas las principales características de la muestra, el consumo de fitofármacos por ellos empleados, así como las principales afecciones para las cuales se emplearon, reportándose un bajo porcentaje en su uso. Se precisó un adecuado nivel de conocimientos sobre los mismos, identificándose las variables asociadas.

Strengthening Resilience and Adaptive Capacity to Disasters in Cancer Control Plans: Lessons Learned from Puerto Rico.

Patients with cancer are among the most vulnerable populations in the aftermath of a disaster. They are at higher risk of medical complications and death due to the collapse of or disruptions in the health care system, the community infrastructure, and the complexity of cancer care. The United Nations' Sendai Framework for Disaster Reduction states that people with life-threatening and chronic diseases should be considered in disaster plans to manage their risks. With extreme weather or disasters becoming more intense and frequent and with the high burden of cancer in the United States and its territories, it is important to develop region-specific plans to mitigate the impact of these events on the cancer patient population. After Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2017, the need to develop and implement such plans for patients with cancer was evident. We describe ongoing efforts and opportunities for disseminating and implementing emergency response plans to maintain adequate cancer care for patients during and after disasters. While plans for patients with cancer should be housed within the emergency support function infrastructure of each jurisdiction, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Comprehensive Cancer Control Plans provide excellent community-centered mechanisms to support these efforts.

Weathering the pandemic: How the Caribbean Basin can use viral and environmental patterns to predict, prepare, and respond to COVID-19.

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic is developing at different paces throughout the world. Some areas, like the Caribbean Basin, have yet to see the virus strike at full force. When it does, there is reasonable evidence to suggest the consequent COVID-19 outbreaks will overwhelm healthcare systems and economies. This is particularly concerning in the Caribbean as pandemics can have disproportionately higher mortality impacts on lower and middle-income countries. Preliminary observations from our team and others suggest that temperature and climatological factors could influence the spread of this novel coronavirus, making spatiotemporal predictions of its infectiousness possible. This review studies geographic and time-based distribution of known respiratory viruses in the Caribbean Basin in an attempt to foresee how the pandemic will develop in this region. This review is meant to aid in planning short- and long-term interventions to manage outbreaks at the international, national, and subnational levels in the region.

Dermatosis más frecuentes en ancianos de Pinar del Río / Most frequent dermatoses in the elderly of Pinar del Río

RESUMEN Introducción: el envejecimiento poblacional ocasiona en la actualidad un aumento de las afecciones vinculadas al deterioro de la integridad de la piel, siendo las dermatosis enfermedades frecuentes en el gerente. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento de las dermatosis en los adultos mayores. Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal, efectuado en el municipio de Pinar del Río durante 2018. Fue seleccionada de forma probabilística, aleatoria simple, una muestra 1164 pacientes geriátricos portadores de afecciones dermatológicas, empleándose las historias clínicas y el examen dermatológico para la obtención de información que dio salida a las variables estudiadas. Se respetó la ética médica. Resultados: predominaron las féminas (51,98 %) y el grupo etáreo 60-64 años (34,19 %), siendo el fototipo cutáneo III (23,11 %) el más frecuente mostrado por las afecciones dermatológicas. Dentro de ellas, las ectoparasitosis (16,15 %) y las virosis cutáneas (14,95 %) fueron las más representativas, mostrándose mayor representación en individuos de color de piel blanca, a excepción de la ectoparasitosis. Dentro de las patologías asociadas, la diabetes mellitus fuela más frecuente. Conclusiones: la oportuna identificación de la presencia de dermatosis en AM, y en especial en aquellos que reúnen factores de riesgo vinculados a su aparición, permitirá actuar tempranamente en el manejo de dichas afecciones, logrando reducir la aparición de complicaciones y secuelas asociadas a las mismas; a la vez que se logrará mejorar la calidad de vida de dicho paciente.

ABSTRACT Introduction: population aging currently causes an increase in conditions related to skin integrity disorder, with dermatoses being frequent diseases in the manager. Objective: to describe the behavior of dermatoses in older adults. Methods: an observational, descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out in the municipality of Pinar del Río during 2018. A sample of 1164 geriatric patients with dermatological conditions was selected in a probabilistic way, using random medical records and dermatological examination for the Obtaining information that output the variables studied. Medical ethics was respected. Results: predominantly females (51,98 %) and age group 60-64 years (34,19 %), skin phototype III (23,11 %) being the most frequent demonstrated by dermatological conditions. Among them, ectoparasitosis (16,15 %) and cutaneous virosis (14,95 %) were the most representative, showing greater representation in individuals with white skin color, an exception to ectoparasitosis. Within the associated pathologies, diabetes mellitus was the most frequent. Conclusions: the timely identification of the presence of dermatosis in AM, and especially in those that meet risk factors linked to its appearance, acting early in the management of various conditions, reducing the occurrence of complications and sequelae affected by themselves; while improving the quality of life of said patient.

Comportamiento de las caídas en adultos mayores ingresados en servicio de Geriatría / Behavior of falls in older adults admitted geriatric service

RESUMEN Introducción: las caídas en el adulto mayor son cada vez más frecuentes en la sociedad, debido al proceso de envejecimiento poblacional. Objetivo: caracterizar el comportamiento de las caídas en adultos mayores ingresados en el servicio de Geriatría del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Docente Dr. León Cuervo Rubio, de Pinar del Río, entre 2013 y 2017. Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, realizado en el servicio de Geriatría del hospital provincial de Pinar del Río, entre 2013 y 2017. De un universo de 280 adultos mayores que sufrieron caídas, fue seleccionada de forma aleatoria simple, una muestra de 179. El estudio de historias clínicas e instrumentos aplicados permitió la obtención de información que dio salida a las variables estudiadas. Resultados: predominaron el sexo femenino, el grupo etário ≥ 80 años, los individuos con independencia funcional, así como aquellos con riesgo bajo de caídas. Se asociaron la alta comorbilidad y la polifarmacia con la aparición de caídas; se encontró dentro de los factores extrínsecos de caídas, una inadecuada iluminación y el uso de accesorios de apoyo, los trastornos cardiovasculares, urológicos y músculo-esqueléticos fueron los principales factores intrínsecos encontrados. Conclusiones: se identificaron las principales características de los adultos mayores, entre ellas los factores extrínsecos e intrínsecos asociados a las caídas, se asoció al riesgo de sufrirlas, la polifarmacia y la comorbilidad del anciano, que permitirá establecer estrategias para reducir la ocurrencia de caídas en este vulnerable grupo poblacional para una mejor calidad de vida.

ABSTRACT Introduction: falls in the elderly are frequently increasing in society, given the process of population aging. Objective: to characterize the behavior of falls in a group of older adults admitted Geriatric Service at Dr. Leon Cuervo Rubio Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital in Pinar del Río, between 2013-2017. Methods: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out in the geriatric service at Dr. León Cuervo Rubio Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital, in Pinar del Río, between 2013 and 2017. From a target group of 280 older adults who suffered falls, a simple random sample of 179 was chosen. The study of clinical histories and applied instruments allowed obtaining information that gave way out to the variables in study. Results: female sex, age group ≥ 80 years, individuals with functional independence, as well as those with low risk of falls predominated. High level of comorbidities and polypharmacy were associated with the emergence of falls; being within the extrinsic factors of falls, inadequate lighting and the use of support accessories, being cardiovascular, urological and muscular-skeletal disorders the main intrinsic factors found. Conclusions: the main characteristics of older adults were identified, including extrinsic and intrinsic factors associated with the risk of falls and among them polypharmacy and comorbidities present in the elderly, which will allow establishing strategies to reduce the occurrence of falls in this vulnerable population group, achieving a better quality of life.

Comportamiento de la sobrecarga en cuidadores informales primarios de adultos mayores con accidente cerebrovascular / Behavior of overburden in primary informal caregivers of old people with stroke

RESUMEN Introducción: el cuidador informal juega un papel primordial en la estructura de familias con adultos mayores dependientes producto a accidentes cerebrovasculares. Objetivo: determinar el comportamiento de la sobrecarga en cuidadores informales de adultos mayores con accidente cerebrovascular. Métodos: estudio analítico, transversal en una muestra de 207 adultos mayores con accidente cerebrovascular y sus respectivos cuidadores, seleccionada de forma probabilística aleatoria simple, perteneciente a los policlínicos universitarios Pedro Borrás Astorga y Raúl Sánchez Rodríguez, durante el 2018. Se aplicaron instrumentos para la obtención de información que dio salida a las variables estudiadas, se analizaron de forma univariada, bivariada y mediante la regresión lineal múltiple. Se respetó la ética médica. Resultados: predominaron los cuidadores del sexo femenino, grupo etáreo 30-44 años, con sobrecarga leve y apoyo social insuficiente, no presentaron adiestramiento previo el 86,61 %. Al desempeñar las labores de cuidado la media fue de 41,87 meses, con 5,68 horas diarias de cuidado. Excepto el sexo del cuidador, las restantes variables sociodemográficas y vinculadas al cuidado mostraron asociación estadísticamente muy significativa con la presencia de sobrecarga (p<0,001). Se presentó afectación neurológica grave en el 35,27 % de los adultos mayores, y el 56,03 % de los cuidadores mostraban una calidad de vida regular, se relacionó de forma inversa y moderada esta última variable con la presencia de sobrecarga [p=0,000000; r=-0,443321]. Conclusiones: predominó la sobrecarga leve, en ello influyó la presencia de variables sociodemográficas y vinculadas a la labor de cuidado, se identificó la relación entre sobrecarga y afectación a la calidad de vida del cuidador.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the informal caregiver plays an important role in the structure of families with dependent old people with stroke. Objective: to determine the behavior of overburden in informal caregivers of old people with stroke. Methods: analytical, cross-sectional study in a sample of 207 old people with stroke and their respective caregivers, chosen at simple random probability, belonging to Pedro Borras Astorga and Raul Sanchez Rodriguez university polyclinics, during 2018. Instruments were applied to collect the information to the variables studied, analyzing the univariate and the bivariate ones and through multiple linear regression. Results: female caregivers predominated, age group 30-44 years, with slight overburden and insufficient social support, 86,61 % did not present previous training. When carrying out care tasks the average was 41,87 months, with 5.68 hours of care per day. Except for the sex of the caregiver, the other socio-demographic variables related to care showed a very significant association from the statistical view point with the presence of overburden (p<0,001). Severe neurological impairment was present in 35.27% of old people, and 56,03% of caregivers showed a regular quality of life; the latter variable was inversely and moderately related to the presence of overburden [p=0,000000; r=-0,443321]. Conclusions: slight overburden predominated, influenced by the presence of sociodemographic variables linked to the work of care; the relationship between overburden along with an affected quality of life of caregivers was identified.

Big data en el contexto de la salud cubana / Big data in Cuban health context

Las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC), así como las redes de datos y el internet de las cosas, están presente en la actualidad internacional. La ciencia, necesita que desaparezcan las barreras convencionales, y las geográficas, para alcanzar su desarrollo pleno. Las redes de cooperación edificadas con el uso de las TIC favorecen el desarrollo científico técnico, benefician la realización de investigaciones, el planteamiento de hipótesis, la generación de conocimiento y la disminución de sus brechas. Cuba intensifica la introducción de las TIC en la sociedad mediante el desarrollo y el despliegue de sistemas de información, para aumentar la eficiencia de varios sectores. De conjunto al proceso de informatización, se realizan importantes esfuerzos para la creación y el mantenimiento de la infraestructura tecnológica que soporte el flujo masivo de datos en la red nacional y su interconexión con la red internacional.1 La aplicación de las TIC tiene incidencia directa sobre la salud, lo que hace posible revolucionar su práctica, a través de la implementación de herramientas web. Estas permiten la extracción automatizada de grandes cantidades de datos masivos, estructurados y no estructurados (datos, textos, tweets, mensajes, audio, video), que son generados por los comportamientos sociales. Este fenómeno es conocido en su sigla del idioma inglés como Big data y...(AU)